"Martin Luther King's message is that we need to be good to each other," said coordinator Margaret Hoose, "And care for each other, learn to respect the diversity within all of us."

All of the students worked with each other to prepare soup for a lunch they ate together.

They also listened to the "I have a Dream" speech given by King.

Kids shared their thoughts on the meaning of the day and the event.

"Martin Luther King's message was to bring peace and to actually bring out the best in people that you can," said student Gordon Donnelly, "So by bringing that message here I think we're helping these kids."

"Today, what I think today is all about is caring, like respect and helping others," said 13-year-old Edward Hendrick.

"We're helping out other people and we're bringing everybody together and not separating people," said ninth grader Caridad Morillo, "So we're really just uniting everybody in the community."

The meal was organized by the Norwich Y, "The Place," Morrisville State College, and the Liberty Partnerships Program.

Liberty Partnerships is a state funded program to help keep kids in school.

The event is just one of a number of service oriented events to help educate students about the importance of helping others.